Cynthia Bringle is a master at miniature
to large-scale wheel-thrown, carved, altered and decorated
ceramics. Working in porcelain, stoneware and earthenware,
she fires pieces in all atmospheres, from oxidation
to reduction, with gas and wood, salt and soda.
Influenced herself by strong teachers
and mentors, after settling at Penland School of Crafts
in 1970, her role shifted to one of mentor, teacher
and friend to thousands of craft artists. Cynthia Bringle
is an active member of the Penland community, teaches
workshops throughout the United States, and freely shares
what she knows with students, visitors and fellow artists. |
| “I settled at
Penland because I wanted to live in a community with other
craftspeople. When I moved here, there were only a few
other craftspeople who had settled here. After Bill Brown
started the resident artist program, other craftspeople
stayed because it was a nice place to live. I like being
here because people filter in and out all the time--I
get connected with other faculty and students because
I live here.” “A
student called me yesterday who was in my 8 week spring
class and said ‘I can’t believe I miss Penland
as much as I do.’ He was working in a group studio
and they [other artists] asked ‘what did you learn
at Penland?’ and he said, “you just watch.’
By the second day in that class I could see what they
knew and they thought they knew much more. At the end
of 2 weeks I could see they’d all made a jump
and at the end of 8 weeks they’d found a little
smidgen of what will hopefully become their own work.”
|
